I have often shared the quote, “It’s not how you start, but how you finish that counts.” It’s true to a point. Look at NFL Quarterback Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos. There is such a buzz in the world of sports right now because of the incredible effort of Tebow in the fourth quarter – the final stages of the game. The Tebow-led Broncos have won five games in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter this year; turning around a team with a losing record to a potential playoff contender. It’s truly an incredible story.
The flip side of praise for Tebow’s “refuse to quit” drive and passion for the game, has been criticism for his play in the first three quarters of the game. History will prove that the first three quarters – how you start – is crucial to long term success; and so it is in life for each and every one of us.
I don’t know about you, but the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day has served as a time to sit back and reflect on the past year. I like to celebrate the successes and joys, and I somewhat grieve moments of failure or disappointment. This time of reflection often serves as a “launching pad” for the coming year. This year, I have been doing more of the same. I’d like to encourage you to join me in this. Take some time to reflect and consider how things are going. Reflect and journal your response to questions such as:
Is it well with my soul? Where am I in my relationship and walk with Jesus Christ? Have I experienced spiritual and personal growth in the past year? How is my prayer life? Have I committed time on a regular basis – each day, to seek the Lord in prayer and study? Am I faithful to the Lord? Do I need help or guidance in this area of my life?
How are my relationships? Are things going well with my most significant relationships? Have I given the time and energy necessary for my relationships to prosper? Have I been “short-changing” time with my family and friends? Are there relational wounds in need of healing? Do I need help or guidance in this area of my life?
How are things at work? Am I pursuing the work that God has called and gifted me to? Am I passionate about what I am doing? Have I given my very best, as if I were working for the Lord? Have I taken “short-cuts” ethically to get ahead? Am I effective? Do I need help or guidance in this area of my life?
Am I faithfully honoring and serving the Lord, my church, and the world? Do I worship as faithfully as I should? Is there an area in the church that I can begin or better serve? Am I effective in the areas in which I currently serve? Is God calling me to launch new areas of ministry? Am I honoring the Lord with my time, treasures, gifts, service, and witness? Is there a mission or project that I should be focusing on? Do I need help or guidance in this area of my life?
How are things going, financially? Am I being a good steward or manager of what God has provided? Am I being faithful and generous by honoring the Lord faithfully with my tithes and offerings? Am I doing my best to “stretch” what has been provided, or am I wasting money? When I see a need that I’m able to meet, do I do my best to meet that need? Am I doing my best to avoid foolish debt? Do I have a plan in place to spend and save wisely? Is my family secure? Do I need help or guidance in this area of my life?
Am I emotionally and physically healthy? Am I taking care of myself by: sleeping enough, eating well, exercising, taking a weekly Sabbath rest, visiting the doctor & dentist on a routine basis? Am I taking time to connect with others and to share my life with? Is there something that I need to get off of my mind and talk about? Do I need help or guidance in this area of my life?
These are just a few areas that I like to reflect and focus on during the week leading up to the new year (Dec. 26-31). After reflecting and journaling your answers to these questions, let me challenge you then to take the first full week of the new year (Jan. 1-7) to seek the Lord in prayer. Pray about your responses to this time of reflection and “pray it forward.” Allow the Lord to guide you to set key and attainable goals in these key areas for 2012. Be sure to write your goals down and share them with a close friend, who will occasionally check in with you (monthly) to see how it is going in these areas. Take time to pray January 1-7 for 7 minutes at 7am and 7pm. Let’s believe God for a great 2012!
